Extension services and agricultural crop production in Gicumbi District of Northern Province of Rwanda
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Date
2011-09
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Economics & management.
Abstract
This research dealt with the Extension Services and agricultural crop production in Gicumbi district of Northern Province of Rwanda~ The main research objective was to assess the effectiveness of extension services on Rwandan farmers’ crop production and the unique null hypothesis was that there is no significant relationship within Extension Services and crop production of farmers in Rwanda. The research design was Descriptive Design through a survey from 120 farmers (60 females and 60 males) drown out of 6 Cooperatives namely Dufitubusha ke, Icyerekezo, Impuya ki, Kojya ki, Kundisuka and Rwanyubukene, respectively from Cyumba, Rukomo, Kaniga, Byumba, Miyove and Nyankenke Sectors. Respondents were selected at random using probability sampling and simple stratified random sampling was used to get an equal representation of men and women among surveyed farmers~ Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through questionnaire type closed-ended questions for farmers and open-ended questions to guide focus group discussions with extension service agents at sector level Means of different variables (dependent and independent) computed using Excel showed weaknesses or gaps in all cases with some strength on trainings methodology, results showed a very deep gap in area of using FFS approach. Training materials were also a challenge where farmers cannot access soil protection and fertility materials, pest control materials. In addition, farmers do not access inputs such as tools, fertilizers and agricultural loans. Extension services have achieved adequate satisfaction in training on crop rotation, organic fertilizers, agro forestry and soil fixing plants. Gaps were recorded in the area of improved seeds, radical terraces, mulching and chemical fertilizers. Looking at the production side, quantity and quality have improved in the last 5 years respectively very adequately and adequately but there is a serious gap on storage and export of agricultural production. Pearson’s correlation has helped in making decision on null hypothesis. Extension services to farmers have significant relationship on crop production apart from methodology used and this happened due to the fact that the approach farmer field school was not applied in the area of research. Pearson product-moment correlation index have also shown positive direction relationship between extension services and crop production (quantitative and qualitative) and this has been confirmed by all extension agents in the area of research.
Description
A thesis submitted to the school of Postgraduate Studies and Research Kampala International University, Uganda in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration
Keywords
Extension services, Agricultural Crop Production, Gicumbi District of Northern Province, Rwanda